There are some disagreements that aren’t worth holding grudges over. With enough exposure over the years; most individuals become tolerable in social settings. As a reminder, I’m a very friendly person and I make a conscious effort to get along with everyone.
Are you around acquaintances that feel the need to voice opinions that are entirely unnecessary? I’d like to think that we’re all in agreement and say that stating the obvious dumbs us all down. Which is why I’ve chosen to keep certain thoughts to myself and I like to flex that right in arguments. Sometimes silence is the deadliest weapon.
Do you have a friend that enjoys making a big fuss when there are eyes on them? Yes, I’ve got a few friends like that and I’d also like to call them ‘sometimes’ friends. Don’t get me wrong, I think they’re lovely creatures in their own right but I’ve got a specific taste for long term companionships. As a result, there are times where they are welcome and other occasions where I’d like to avoid them by dropping off the radar.
I took a public lashing recently. Vocalized concerns were actually insults in disguise. If you’ve ever been to Minnesota then you might have heard the expression “Minnesota, nice.” Well, it’s actually “Minnesota, passive aggressive.” Take note of that and don’t forget it.
I don’t appreciate backhanded comments so my face flushed in response and I felt enraged. My brain was firing at an immense speed. Rational thinking folded in roughly with raw unsettling emotions. Anyone can make the split decision to bite back immediately but it takes a lot of self control to stop yourself and to think about their feelings instead.
Is it unfair to have someone’s feelings of anger and frustration projected on to you? Maybe even ideals that don’t like up with your own? Yeah, it’s fucking annoying. Even more so when that person is ignorant to what’s going on. Who knows, they could have mentally taken themselves on a trip to erase what fault could be placed on them. Some things should be taken into consideration. I’m not saying that you should give these people a ‘free pass’ but practicing compassion brings forth it’s own rewards.
I like to catalogue key points from the confrontation and once the situation has slowed in momentum then I’ll address it. In this specific case, I’m choosing to ignore it until it’s brought up. I know this particular friend enjoys confrontation so ending it peacefully is more impactful than raising a hand. I’m also taking a backseat from the relationship and the my reasons are a clear reflection of where I stand. I think it’s unfair to push people into positions where they should feel guilt because of societies outdated views and I think it’s shitty to do it in public because that can weigh on a persons psyche.